Hit-and-run accidents are devastating. Victims of these crashes often struggle with serious injuries, significant property damage, and unanswered questions, such as how they’ll get compensation for their losses.
Getting fair compensation after hit-and-run crashes is extremely challenging without legal help. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California hit-and-run accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you get justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision flees the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations, such as providing identification or rendering aid to those injured. Injured parties are often left to deal with the aftermath of the crash on their own, which can include physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.
Hit-and-Runs Are Criminal Matters
In California, drivers must stop at the scene of any accident they are involved in, exchange information with the other parties, and assist anyone injured. Failing to do so constitutes a criminal hit-and-run act, regardless of whether the accident caused injuries, fatalities, or only property damage.
Common Scenarios for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run incidents can occur in many situations, including:
- Vehicle Collisions:
- A driver rear-ends another car at a traffic light and speeds away without exchanging insurance information.
- A sideswipe on the highway where the at-fault driver fails to stop or acknowledge the accident.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents:
- A vehicle strikes a pedestrian crossing the street or a bicyclist on the shoulder, leaving the victim injured and vulnerable without assistance.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Especially Harmful
Hit-and-run accidents worsen the difficulties victims face by removing the at-fault party from the equation, making it harder to:
- Identify the responsible individual.
- Secure compensation for injuries or damages.
- Hold the driver accountable for their actions.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, act quickly. Reporting the crash to law enforcement, gathering evidence, and consulting an experienced attorney can improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims with severe physical and emotional injuries, often compounded by the challenges of identifying the at-fault driver. Common examples include:
Physical Injuries
Hit-and-run collisions often result in serious physical injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma from the crash impact can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are particularly vulnerable in high-impact collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and often require emergency care.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Shattered glass, debris, or direct impact can cause painful and disfiguring injuries.
Emotional Impact
The emotional toll of a hit-and-run accident can be as debilitating as the physical injuries:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims often experience flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety after the traumatic event.
- Anxiety and Emotional Distress: Fear of driving or interacting with traffic again can interfere with daily life and recovery.
Getting Compensation in a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents face unique challenges in obtaining compensation due to the fleeing driver’s absence. However, several options may be available to secure financial recovery:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If you carry UM coverage in California, your policy can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even if the at-fault driver is unidentified.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): MedPay insurance can provide immediate relief for medical costs regardless of fault.
- Collision Coverage: For property damage, your collision coverage may help repair or replace your vehicle.
- Legal Action Against the Identified Driver: If the hit-and-run driver is later located, you can file a claim against their insurance or pursue a lawsuit to recover damages.
Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims
Hit-and-run accident victims may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Reimbursement for time missed at work and future earning potential if the injuries result in a disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged belongings.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit-and-run accidents are overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your claim.
Ensure Your Safety
Your safety should always be your priority. If you’re injured, move to a safe location if possible and seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, some may worsen over time, and prompt treatment ensures your well-being while creating an official record of the injuries.
Report the Incident
Reporting the incident to law enforcement is essential. File a police report and provide as much information as you can about the fleeing vehicle, including its make, model, color, and license plate details, as well as any observations about the driver. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and future legal action.
Gather Evidence, If Possible
Documenting the scene can make a significant difference in your case. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the accident location. If there are skid marks, debris, or other relevant details, capture them as well. Witnesses can provide valuable information, so collect their names and contact information if possible.
Tell Your Insurer
Notify your insurance company promptly. Review your policy to understand your coverage options, such as uninsured motorist (UM) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage. However, avoid discussing fault or accepting settlements without consulting a lawyer, as insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
Get Legal Help
Early legal intervention is critical after a hit-and-run accident. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we can help protect your rights, navigate the complexities of hit-and-run claims, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Berg Injury Lawyers Can Help
When you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. Berg Injury Lawyers is here to provide the support you need to seek justice and compensation.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team collaborates with law enforcement, interviews crash witnesses, and reviews surveillance footage to gather evidence and identify the responsible driver whenever possible.
- Insurance Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially in hit-and-run cases. We’ll advocate on your behalf to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation, whether through your uninsured motorist coverage or the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
- Personalized Representation: We prioritize your needs throughout the legal process by keeping you informed and listening to your concerns every step of the way.
Contact Our California Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.
